Obituary of Christopher Strachan

Christopher "Kit" Strachan, Jr Christopher Strachan, Jr, age 71, a long-time resident of Basking Ridge, passed away unexpectedly on February 17, 2015. "Kit," as he was affectionately known, was a devoted father, loving husband, and friend to all who knew him. Kit was born in Summit, NJ, the youngest child of Christopher Strachan and Dorothy MacDonald. He grew up in Sea Girt and, after graduating from Manasquan High School in 1961, attended Salem College in West Virginia before returning home to work at the family business Strachan-Mackoe which later became Summit Protective Technologies. Always the life of the party, Kit's optimism and positive outlook served as an inspiration to many. He knew no strangers, and was blessed with the ability to make friends wherever he went. Truly of a selfless nature, Kit was always willing to drop everything and be there to support a friend in need. Kit was very proud of his Scottish heritage and enjoyed attending Scottish festivals and researching his family history. He was known for his great handyman and mechanical skills, and had an uncanny ability to fix anything. Kit had a lifelong passion for classic cars and British sports cars, and also enjoyed time spent outdoors, whether sailing, skiing, or riding his bike and motorcycle. Kit was preceded in death by his wife Rosalie Peterson, and a brother Jack Strachan. He is survived by his daughter Heather of Basking Ridge, a brother Rob of Powder Springs, Georgia, nephews John Strachan of New Hope, PA and Doug Strachan of Monroe, CT, in addition to loving in-laws. He valued the friendship of many close lifelong friends, and his absence will truly leave a hole in the hearts and lives of many. A memorial visitation will be held at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 South Finley Ave, Basking Ridge NJ 07920 from 1-3 pm on Monday, February 23. Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate Kit's life. For more information, or to contribute online condolences, please visit http://www.gcfuneralhome.com/ In lieu of flowers, donations in Kit's name may be made to the Sea Girt Lighthouse Foundation (www.seagirtlighthouse.com), P.O. Box 83, Sea Girt, NJ 08750, or the Bonnie Brae School (http://www.bonnie-brae.org/donate/), 3415 Valley Road, PO Box 825, Liberty Corner, NJ 07938. For further information please contact the Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home at (908)766-0250, or to light an online condolence candle visit www.gcfuneralhome.com.